Exiled Tibetans continue protests in India against China

Dharamsala/New Delhi/ Siliguri/Kolkata, Mar 19 (ANI): Hundreds of exiled Tibetans continue to protest against China’s occupation of their homeland. Violent protests shook Dharamsala, also known as ‘Mini Lhasa’, because of the heavy presence of exiled Tibetans residing there, as hordes of protesters holding banners and shouting slogans, marched through its streets. Bare-chested protesters with anti-Chinese slogans written in blood on their torsos had their arms and legs chained as they walked down the streets of Dharamsala. “China is always killing Tibetans in Tibet. We cannot face them so the frustration of the people against China is coming out,” said Kusang, a protester. Meanwhile, some Tibetan protesters tried to storm the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi but were stopped by the police. The police then led them away. Union Minister of State for Home, Sriprakash Jaiswal, hoped Beijing would show restraint and resolve the issue amicably. “If something happens in our neighbouring countries, any sort of repression, then it is a cause of concern for us. We want that China should have a peaceful talk with them and come up with a solution so that the image of China in the international arena is not affected,” said Jaiswal. Similar protests rocked Siliguri. Protesters marched down streets, holding banners and placards to support the ongoing protest in Tibet. “(They have) brutally killed our Tibetans. We want our land back. We want it back from the Red Chinese,” said Prema, a protestor. The Communists, however, adopted a soft line on the Tibetan protests, saying that the issue should not cast a shadow on the friendly Sino-Indian relations. “China is asking India to keep a check on the border so that Tibetans do not cross border and enter into China. However, it’s a matter of sorrow that several people died over this issue. But, this would not reflect on our friendly relationship that we share with China. We have accepted Tibet as a part of China long time back,” said Jyoti Basu, a veteran leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). (ANI)